Study on Public knowledge, attitudes, and Practices ... - focus1000

Study on Public knowledge, attitudes, and Practices related to EVD prevention and medical care in Sierra Leone Field Work Conducted: 20th - 25th August

Objectives

Comprehensive knowledge on EVD is low

- Examine the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone - Identify barriers hindering the containment of EVD - Use the study to inform evidence-based strategies in preventing the transmission of EVD and caring for those already infected and affected by the epidemic

Has comprehensive knowledge

39%

Rejects three misconceptions

50%

Accepts three main means of prevention

79% 0%

20% 40% 60% 80%

Methodology Administered a household survey to a random sample of 1413 people in Sierra Leone: West Area: Rural and Urban East: Kenema and Kailahun North: Kambia, Port Loko, and Koinadugu South: Moyama and Bo Conducted in-depth interview and focus groups with traditional/religious leaders, health workers and teachers, local councils, law enforcement personnel

Key Findings High level of awareness and low denial 100% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

Positive attitudes towards EVD prevention - 87% agree with statement that one should “avoid contact with blood and body fluids” 85% agree with statement that one can “protect oneself by avoiding funeral or burial rituals that require handling the body of someone who died of EVD” 91% agree with statement that a “person with Ebola has higher chance of survival if he/she goes immediately to a health facility”

There are serious misconceptions • Almost a third of population thinks one can get

97% 76%

Ebola from Mosquitoes (30%) • 30% also believes Ebola is airborne • 20% believe Ebola can be treated successfully by Spiritual Healers (in Western Area – urban & rural this misconception is especially high).

Aware of Believe it Heard of a Ebola exists in SL survivor

• 42% believe that bathing with salt and hot water can prevent Ebola.

Nearly everyone is reporting some behavior change (95%)

Risk perceptions are mixed and polarized

No response Not sure Great risk Moderate risk Small risk No Risk

1% 5%

34% 10% 14% 36%

Wash hands with soap and water Clean hands with other disinfectants

37%

Avoid physical contact with people I suspect…

36%

Radio by far the preferred means for receiving information about Ebola

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 85%

Radio House visits by health… Television Religious venues Megaphone announcements Mobile phone/ Text messages Community meetings Newspaper/ flyers/ Brochures/…

66%

28% 21% 18% 13% 10% 10% 9%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%100%

Health professionals and Government/MOHS are the most trusted source of information

Very high level of stigma and discrimination towards Ebola victims • 96% report some discriminatory attitude towards people with suspected or having (had) Ebola. • 76% would not welcome someone back into their community after a neighbor recovered from Ebola. • 32% believe that a school pupil fully recovered from Ebola will put other pupils in their class at risk of Ebola infection. • 9% would keep the information secret if a family member contracts Ebola.

Recommendations 60%

Health / medical… 48%

Government/ MoHS 36%

The Media Religious leaders…

8%

Relatives and Friends

8%

Traditional leaders

0.3%

0.0%

20.0% 40.0% 60.0%

• Address misconceptions about the disease • Clearly spell out modes of transmission in local lang. • Develop clear messages on protective practices • Develop special messages around community acceptance of Ebola affected persons and families • Radio, Radio, Radio – must be maximally used • Inter-personal engagement at grassroots level • Effective use of television to tell Survivor Stories • Strategic engagement with churches and mosques • Information should come from health professionals and MoHS because they are the most trusted source